Breastfeeding question

[Chocolateforlunch]

Hey

39 weeks here and planning to try breastfeeding for at least the first 6-8 weeks then potentially express/introduce formula. Totally open minded and not putting any pressure on myself just going to give it a go and appreciate it’s not for everyone!

I wasn’t able planning on take any formula to the hospital with me in my bag or having any in at home at first. Is that daft or should I have some as a back up in case I can’t breast feed? If I can’t feed the baby for any reason, do the hospital provide formula or should I take the pre-made bottles you can buy?

Don’t want to get caught short and a last minute panic to buy formula and steriliser etc, maybe I should get some just in case!

Im a mum who has breast fed 2 for 7 months then gave formula ( just so u know I'm not anti formula!). I wouldnt buy any formula initially as if u have it in the house u are more likely to use it. If you need to get it the shops are not shut you will be able to get some. It will be difficult at the start with feeding and if the formula is there I know I would have used it and things may be been different.

Baby's tummy is the size of a marble at first, so really no need to take formula. A few regular drops of colostrum will be plenty.

I would definitely buy some formula and a bottle with a newborn teet. Breastfeeding can be very hard at first. It's useful to have just incase you have issues latching and you need to give your baby something to stop them becoming dehydrated and jaundice (this is what happened to me - latching issues & my son got jaundice so we had to use formula at first). Hopefully you won't need to use it, but I would have it either with you or at home just incase.
Some midwives may tell you that giving a bottle as well as breast can cause nipple confusion. It doesn't (based on my own experience and that of friends). I happily breastfed for a year despite a tricky start.